I am looking to renting a home in Jacksonville FL and would like to know how much can I trust the information given on realtor.com? I have heard about so many sites and scams and I am not to waste my time. I would like to hear from real experiences with them. Thank you

asked by Mayra N. on 2/25/16

3 Answers
Thumbnail of user christynec

Just be sure you are dealing with a realtor. Do not send any money to anybody at a moneygram account. Just make sure it is a realtor you are working with. Because there are scams out there that ask you to send money pretend to be owner etc. you can always ask for license number and go to trec website and check to see if number is real. Hope that helps.

Helpful  (2)
Thumbnail of user charlesl63

Realtor.com is connected with the National Association of Realtors and they have a lot of oversight as to having correct information on their consumer search site. Be sure to verify anyone that you are dealing with in the transaction.

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Thumbnail of user jd138

Know who you're dealing with online, including by email and websites. VERIFY their identity, their office location, etc. Do not deal with anyone that is not located in the USA for a rental in the USA.

It can be helpful, and serve to un-earth potential problems, to meet your prospective landlord (even through Facetime), property manager or other transaction participant in person before renting or purchasing an apartment or home and before sending money or agreeing to send money. Dealing locally and in person with the other party to a transaction can help avoid many scams. For personal safety and other reasons, consider having one or more friends or companions accompany you, and be sure the meeting location is safe.

Beware of Geographic Distance.

If you are dealing with someone in another country or city, or looking to rent or buy in another country or city, be particularly aware of concerns like those referred to in this Alert since the other person might be trying to take advantage of you by exploiting the practical problems and inconveniences of geographic distance.

Avoid unusual forms of payment, or being rushed.

It can be risky to use a wire transfer service (such as Western Union or MoneyGram) or online escrow service to send a deposit, earnest money, down-payment, rent or other money relating to a rental or housing transaction. Use great caution if someone suggests you should send money in this way. Also be wary of being rushed into a decision to rent or buy an apartment or other housing, or to send a deposit, earnest money, down-payment, rent or other money. These are significant decisions, transactions and payments; if someone is rushing you, that could be a signal of a potential fraud or a scam.

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